Hamilton boys take second at Class D tournament

Eager to get back home, the Hamilton boys golf team challenged Alexandria Bay in a tight duel for the Section III Class D championship last Monday afternoon at Twin Ponds Golf and Country Club in New York Mills.

The Emerald Knights finished with a total of 425, easily surpassing the seven-team field -- but not finishing in front of the Purple Ghosts, who won with 416.

Still, five Hamilton golfers advanced to play in the sectional tournament, held Thursday and Saturday at the Emerald Knights' home course, Seven Oaks.

Ken Quackenbush shot an 82 for 18 holes at Twin Ponds to finish fifth among individuals, with Josh Hodge posting an 83 for sixth place. Cameron Fisher had an 86, sharing 10th place as Mike Jones and Blaine Holcomb each finished at 87, in a big tie for 13th.

Meanwhile, at Radisson Greens, Chittenango's Ryan McGinnis nearly snared medalist honors in the Section III Class A tournament. McGinnis fired a 77, second only to New Hartford's Derek Bard, who won with a 76.

From a team standpoint, the Bears, whose regular season came in the fall, had 433, taking fifth place as Jamesville-DeWitt (407) finished in front and Vernon Verona Sherrill posted a 457. Chittenango's Joe Ezzo shot an 83 as he and McGinnis both advanced to the state qualifier.